Which filter is best? I can get any of the following so please tell me any opinions. I have a 20 gallon tank with two juvenile fantail goldfish.
Which One?
- Thread starter fishieperson321
- Start date
Dangerdoll
Global Moderator
my honest opinion would be to double up on the filtration of the tank and try to get the very very least, a 30 gallon tank for the 2 fish. A 20 will not be able to sustain them forever. With that filtration listed and a 20 gallon tank, your water changes will be ubelievably frequent and that's IF you are able to stabilize your tank for long.
I personally like the older model Penguin 330. It has the adjustable flow control which comes in handy during feeding time. The media baskets are good for adding additional biomedia. I currently have a 330 on my 20 gallon with an adult calico oranda and a juvenile black moor. In my opinion, if you can find a 330, you should go with that. It would give you 16.5x filtration.
Unfortunately, it would not have enough capacity by it's self since it would only turn over 8.5 times per hour. The minimum filter capacity for a 20 gallon goldfish tank would be 200 gallons per hour. The Penguin 200 meets that, but it's best to have a filter with more than 200 GPH because as the filter and pads begin to clog with debris, the capacity is reduced.
Do you happen to be a member of Koko's Goldfish Forum? Is that where you got the 10x filtration rule from? I have some belief that if you have a bio wheel that you don't have to have 10x filtration. I can get an AquaClear easily. A model 200.
www.kokosgoldfish.invisionzone.com/forum
www.kokosgoldfish.invisionzone.com/forum
Yes, I am and that's where I picked up the 10x guideline. I think the rule may be meant more for debris removal. If you have enough biofilter capacity, and your parameters are always 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, and 20 or less on nitrate, then you could probably get by with a lower flowrate, although I personally would not. The main reason I stick to the 10x or greater rule is I don't use airstones except during the summer and because of what I have read on the other forum that goldfish need 10x or better filtration. The Aquaclear model 200, which is the same as the current model 50 would be enough for 2 goldies in a 20 gallon tank
I always use my Penn-Plax Clear Free Corner Cartridge Air Filter, too. That is part of the reason I feel I can go for a slightly lower flow rate.
